MS Vows Zune HW Update

Microsoft will revamp its Zune hardware for 2009, the media player division's marketing manager Brian Seitz said early Tuesday through Twitter. He doesn't provide details but makes clear this year's update will be more significant than the fall 2008 refresh, which simply increased storage capacity and added firmware support for buying songs over Wi-Fi. The core design has remained unchanged since November 2007.

The company is under pressure to update the Zune to keep the brand alive in the face of continued pressure from Apple and other device makers. Microsoft has been silent regarding the number of Zunes shipped ever since crossing the million-unit landmark in mid-2007 but is known to have watched its Zune revenues plunge by $100 million year-over-year in late 2008. The shortfall contributed to significant job cuts and a reorganization that also put many Zune team members in the Windows Mobile group.

Publicly, Microsoft has said it remains committed to the Zune players but has also repeatedly said it would port the experience to other platforms, such as Windows Mobile and living room devices.

By Electronista Staff